ATC Issues & Procedures
The National Airspace System (NAS) is continuously being updated and changed in order to improve system efficiency. NBAA supports the continued transition to a future aviation system that is satellite-based rather than today’s ground-based navigation system, and will continue to play an active role representing the needs of general aviation in the technical and regulatory evolution of a Next Generation (NextGen) aviation system.
In addition to these changes, there are certain areas of the NAS where special attention is warranted and where special procedures are required due to persistent traffic volume issues, seasonal increases in volume, or other factors.
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NOTAM Realignment
The FAA is modernizing the NOTAM system to improve the quality of NOTAMs, provide enhanced filtering and sorting of data, and to conform with ICAO standards. NOTAM Realignment is one of the first steps toward the FAA’s NextGen system.
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Flight Plan Filing
In order to take full advantage of RNAV equipment and procedures, operators need to properly file an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plan even for U.S. domestic flights. This will allow the automatic assignment of RNAV Standard Instrument Departures (SID), Standard Terminal Arrivals (STAR) and preferential routes.
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New York Metro Airspace Overview
The airspace in and around the New York City metro area is the most congested and complex airspace in the NAS. Learn more the area airports, common departure and arrival issues, and the route issues encountered in the New York metro airspace.
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Wind Routes
In April 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a new set of routes for traffic headed from the Western United States into the New York City metro area that could be used by air traffic control (ATC).
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Winter Snowbird Traffic and VACAPES Airspace
During certain times of the year, particularly during the winter, seasonal traffic between the northeastern US and Florida increases dramatically. Offshore radar routes, and in some cases the Virginia Capes Operating Area (VACAPES), can be used to reduce congestion.
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Communications with Air Traffic Control
Clear concise communication between flight crews and air traffic controllers is absolutely essential. Learn about requirements and best practices for communications with ATC.
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Rocky Mountain Area Special Traffic Management Program
The Rocky Mountain Area STMP is run annually from mid-December until early January, and again during Presidents Day weekend in February, to control the IFR arrival rates into Aspen-Pitkin County/Sardy Field (ASE), Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and Rifle/Garfield County Field Airport (RIL).
FAA Implementing ICAO's 'Line Up and Wait' Phraseology in September
August 5, 2010
As NBAA first reported this past January, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) phraseology, "line up and wait” effective September 30, 2010. This replaces the current FAA phraseology, "taxi in to position and hold". The change comes after a recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to the FAA that Order 7110.65 be amended, requiring the use of standard ICAO phraseology for airport surface operations. Pilots need to be familiar with, and be ready to read-back and accept, instructions from air traffic control using the new phraseology. For more information, review FAA order 7210.754 or contact NBAA's Bob Lamond at rlamond@nbaa.org.
